Socialization and Its Agents

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Questions and Answers

What is the definition of socialization?

The process through which individuals fit into a society and internalize its values, beliefs, and norms, and learn to function as its members.

Identify the main agents of socialization.

Schools, the mass media, peers, the family.

What is the meaning of status in a social context?

A position in a social hierarchy that carries a particular set of expectations.

What is role conflict?

Experienced when we occupy two or more roles with contradictory expectations. Signup and view all the answers

What is role strain?

Experienced when there are contradictory expectations within one role. Signup and view all the answers

What is a role in sociological terms?

The set of behaviors expected of someone because of his or her status. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following are examples of socialization? (Select all that apply)

Someone acts visibly uncomfortable when a coworker tells a sexist joke. Signup and view all the answers

The location, time period, and family into which individuals are born affect their set of meanings about how the world works.

True Signup and view all the answers

Which sociological concept best explains Justine's interactions with her friends?

The looking-glass self Signup and view all the answers

Emotion work or emotional labor is the process of helping to manage the emotions of others in order to neutralize emotionally charged situations.

False Signup and view all the answers

Public schools in the United States opened in the _ and attendance was ____.

1800s; uneven Signup and view all the answers

Genie, the child who was deprived of practically all social interaction, eventually recovered to live a normal life complete with language and social awareness of her surroundings.

False Signup and view all the answers

The story of Christopher Knight is an example of which sociological concept?

Social isolation. Signup and view all the answers

What does the dramaturgical theory of society say about human life?

Life is essentially a play. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of the hidden curriculum?

Students are taught to dress and behave in a specific manner by teachers and other staff members. Signup and view all the answers

Arlie Hochschild's 1983 research on emotion work focused on people in two professions: bill collectors and _________.

Flight attendants. Signup and view all the answers

Consider how changes in the importance of different agents of socialization might occur over time. For each of the major agents, decide whether it is more or less important to adolescents now than it was in the late 1800s.

Peers, the mass media, schools. Signup and view all the answers

Place the following stages on the timeline based on when the developing child engages in them: ___, _, ___.

Preparatory stage, play stage, game stage. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main goals of socialization?

To teach members the skills necessary to satisfy basic human needs and to teach individuals the norms, values, and beliefs associated with their culture. Signup and view all the answers

The difference between role strain and role conflict is that role strain is about the competing demands imposed by _, while role conflict is about competing demands imposed by _.

one role; two or more roles. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Socialization

Defined as the process of fitting into a society and internalizing its values, beliefs, and norms.
Essential for individuals to learn how to function as members of their community.

Agents of Socialization

Main agents include schools, mass media, peers, and family.
Each agent shapes beliefs, behaviors, and social skills.

Key Terms

Status: A specific position within a social hierarchy associated with expectations.
Role: Expected behaviors tied to a status.
Role Conflict: Arises when multiple roles have contradictory expectations.
Role Strain: Occurs due to conflicting expectations within a single role.

Socialization Examples

Examples demonstrating socialization include discomfort at inappropriate jokes, parents teaching table manners, and children explaining technology to parents.

Influences on Socialization

Factors such as location, time period, and family background significantly influence individuals’ perceptions of the world.

Sociological Concepts

Looking-Glass Self: Justine's evolving self-perception as her friends recognize her humor.
Social Isolation: Illustrated through the story of Christopher Knight, who experienced prolonged social withdrawal.

Dramaturgical Theory

Human life is likened to a performance, where individuals navigate various social 'plays.'

Hidden Curriculum

Refers to implicit lessons taught in schools regarding social expectations, including behavior and attire.

Emotion Work

Research by Arlie Hochschild in 1983 focused on emotional management in professions like flight attendants and bill collectors.

Changes in Agents of Socialization

The influence of peers, mass media, and schools on adolescents has shifted over time compared to the late 1800s.

Mead's Stages of Development

Stages include the preparatory stage, play stage, and game stage, marking a child's social development timeline.

Goals of Socialization

The twofold process serves to ensure societal survival and teaches cultural norms, values, and beliefs.
First Goal: Skills for basic needs and self-defense.
Second Goal: Understanding and adhering to cultural norms.

Important Distinctions

Role strain deals with competing demands within a single role, while role conflict pertains to demands across multiple roles.

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Description

This quiz explores the concept of socialization, including its definition and importance in society. It delves into the main agents of socialization such as family, schools, and peers, as well as key terms like status and role conflict. Enhance your understanding of how these elements influence individual behavior within a community.